Staying in Bloemfontein during the September and October holiday?

Maybe going home is too far, too expensive, or you simply decided to stay in Bloem for the break. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to spend your entire holiday in your room.

There are plenty of things to do in Bloemfontein during the September and October school holiday, from live music and festivals to sport, markets and outdoor activities.

What’s Happening in Bloemfontein This Holiday?

If you’re looking for something to do, here are some of the events happening around Bloemfontein over the next few weeks.

24 September – Heritage Day

Bloem Striders Beer Mile
Get active on Heritage Day with the Bloem Striders Beer Mile at the Free State Athletics Stadium.

Mikosi Experience 2026
The Intervarsity Heritage Day After Party takes place on 24 September at The Zone Car Wash and Restaurant in Mangaung, starting at 18:00.

26 September – A Big Weekend in Bloem

There is quite a lot happening around Bloemfontein on Saturday, 26 September.

CUFA 2026 PITIKI
A festival taking place in Willows, Bloemfontein from 11:00.

Rising Star
Catch the English-language Rising Star show at the Naval Hill Planetarium at 19:00.

Soul Food Live
A Heritage Weekend event at Windmill Casino, starting from 12:00.

MAC Heritage Day Half Marathon
Not much of a morning person? Maybe this one isn’t for you. But if running is your thing, the MAC Heritage Day Marathon takes place from 06:00 at City Hall, with 21.1 km, 10 km and 4.9 km options.

There are also other events taking place around the city that weekend, including live music and cultural events.

30 September – Planetarium

Looking for something a little different?

Ted’s Space Adventure is showing at the Naval Hill Planetarium on 30 September at 13:00, with English and Afrikaans screenings.

October in Bloemfontein

The holiday doesn’t have to end when September does. There are also several events happening in Bloemfontein during October.

16–17 October – Music, Festivals and More

Mountain Biking THE TOUR 2026 takes place on 16 October.

On 17 October, you can check out Mega Turn-Up 0.4 at the Bloem Showgrounds, featuring live performances, DJs, food stalls and entertainment throughout the day.

Also on 17 October, ColourSplash Family Fest takes place at the Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre.

24 October – Pick Your Vibe

Saturday, 24 October is another busy day in Bloemfontein.

Muddy Princess Bloemfontein
A 5 km outdoor obstacle mud run at Geelklip – Middelwater Plaas, starting from 08:00.

Sip n Chill Soul Session
Spend the day at the Loch Logan Rose Garden with live music, food and entertainment from 11:00.

Classical Contrasts
The Rhapsody Orchestra performs at the Odeion at 19:00, with tickets starting from R100.

CUT Alumni Half Marathon
If running is more your thing, the CUT Alumni Half Marathon takes place at CUT Rugby Stadium from 06:00, with 21 km, 10 km and 5 km options.

You Don’t Need to Leave Bloemfontein to Have a Good Holiday

And if none of those sound like your thing, make your own plans.

Try a new coffee shop. Have a picnic with your housemates. Visit the Free State National Botanical Garden or Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Explore Naval Hill. Find a restaurant you’ve never tried or organise a movie and games night at home.

You don’t need a massive budget or a road trip to make the holiday memorable.

Sometimes all you need is a few friends, a free afternoon and a reason to leave the house.

Staying in Bloemfontein this holiday?

Make the most of it.

Check local event listings before heading out, as dates, times and ticket information can change.